Jeremiah 2:1 – 6:30 (Continued)

September 27, 2011

Jeremiah 6 - Punishment must come.

Jeremiah 6:10–11 - "To whom can I speak? Whom can I warn? Who will listen to me? The people have closed ears so they cannot hear my warning. They don't like the word of the LORD; (NIV - find it offensive) they don't want to listen to it! But I am full of the anger of the LORD, and I am tired of holding it in." Jeremiah 6:13–15 - "Everyone... is greedy for money... all tell lies." They try to act as if their serious consequences are really nothing, saying, "It's all right, it's all right. But really it is not all right. They should be ashamed of the terrible way they act, but they are not ashamed at all. They don't even know how to blush about their sins. So they will fall, along with everyone else. They will be thrown to the ground when I punish them," says the LORD.

This is what the LORD says:

"Stand where the roads cross and look. Ask where the old way is, where the good way is, and walk on it. If you do you will find rest for yourselves."

But they have said, "We will not walk on the good way." I've said "listen," but you would not listen. So everyone listen, pay attention, and watch what I am going to do. "I am going to bring disaster... because of the evil they plan." Consequences. The NIV says it this way. "(They will reap) the fruit of their schemes." They continue to "act" the part of a follower by bringing offerings and sacrifices. But, they have not listened to God's messages and they have rejected His teachings. And God says, I will not accept your attempt to be "religious." Here is what I am going to do: "I will put problems in front of (you). Fathers and sons will stumble over them together."

Just have to pause here and write about "problems." There are several different kinds of "problems."

1. The kind sent by God as discipline. The purpose is to get your attention and to bring you back to the right path.  
2. The kind sent as a judgment. God's message has been rejected and like Jeremiah is saying, these kinds of problems are meant to block you, to cause you to stumble, destruction, etc.  
3. The kind sent as a way to build you (and others) up and as a way to bring blessings by giving you the opportunity to see HIS hand at work.    

When I look back at all we have been through, and the many "problems" we have faced, I absolutely marvel at what all God has done!! The things we have went through (even the ugly lawsuit) has been used to enrich our lives, bring healing, and yes, even "bless" us. I hate even using the word "bless" because I so dislike how most people use it. But, I must give honor to where honor is due! And God saw fit to bless us by putting all these things in our lives. Yes, by putting them in our lives. Oh, how we have seen the hand of God at work. Therein lies the blessing—seeing the hand of God.

"Praise the Name of Jesus, Praise the name of Jesus. He's my Rock. He's my Fortress. He's my Deliverer. In HIM will I trust. Praise the name of Jesus."   

When you are faithful with what God has given you to steward He gives you even more to steward. Steward—taking care of what isn't yours, it belongs to another. We are to be "good and faithful servants," not owners. Oh, what we have learned and are still learning. How many times do people think that God is saying if you are faithful with a little I will give you more? That is not it at all!! It's not about "getting" more. It is about "giving" more. The more you are faithful, the more God requires. 

Your plate will be full when you are living your life as an honor to God. The things we have on our plate aren't "problems," they are opportunities. They are not there to cause us to stumble, they are an opportunity to build others up. And in so doing it brings God's blessings on your life. Wow! As I was praying during the night last night saying, "Thank you so much for these opportunities, LORD. I am so grateful to be able to see your hand at work in our lives as well as those around us," the words of the Doxology came to my mind.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen."

Getting? No. Giving. That is what life is ALL about.

For those who continued to be stubborn, who have turned against God and go around telling lies about others: "They are like bronze and iron that became covered with rust. They all act dishonestly. The fire is fanned to make it hotter, but the lead doesn't melt. The pure metal does not come out; the evil is not removed." So God calls them—rejected silver.

Life Lesson ~  Any severe and prolonged pattern of sin, practiced by people who claim to be devoted to God, invites punishment from God.

"Many people profess faithfulness... but for the godly person, faithfulness is an absolutely essential quality of his character, regardless of what it might cost. The faithful person is one who is dependable, trustworthy, and loyal, who can be depended on in all his relationships, and who is absolutely honest and ethical in all his affairs... If we are careful to be honest in the little things, we will certainly be careful to be honest in the more important things of life... Reliability is not just a social obligation; it is a spiritual obligation. God is even more concerned about our faithfulness than the person who is relying on us in some particular situation... the faithful person is not only honest and dependable, but also loyal... whether it be in honesty or dependability or loyalty, faithfulness is frequently a costly virtue. Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to pay that price." ~ From The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges  

My hearts desire is to be found faithful.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 7:1 – 10:25 

Jeremiah 2:1 – 6:30

September 26, 2011

The obvious was right in front of them—but it was rejected. They had the benefit of knowing their past history and God's protection. They knew God had proven Himself faithful. Yet, they turned away from God (the spring of Living Water) and instead dug their own wells, attempting to be the god themselves. It never works! God—the spring of Living Water, eternal, unfailing, and forever. Man (trying to be in control) decides to dig his own wells—broken cisterns that cannot hold water, will always disappoint, are temporary, and unsatisfying. And then, when their own wells failed them, they turned to Egypt to drink from the Shiror River and to Assyria to drink from the Euphrates River instead of submitting to the obvious—the spring of Living Water—the LORD. Stubborn refusal.

 "Your evil will bring punishment to you, and the wrong you have done will teach you a lesson. Think about this and understand that it is a terrible evil to turn away from the LORD your God. It is wrong not to fear me," says the LORD.

But, even though you have turned away from me (God) you won't admit it. You say, "I am not guilty." Look at the things you have done!! "Think about what you have done." How can you possibly think you have not turned away from me?? Think about it!! Look what you have done! You do everything yourself and follow your own selfish ways. "But when you get in trouble you say, 'Come and save us!' "

Why should I help you now? Why not have all the things you put your faith in up until now help you? Why complain to me now? You are the one who decided to turn from me. "I punished your people, but it did not help." You didn't come back to me. You have forgotten about me. You didn't pay attention to me. You have chased after the things you wanted. You have the blood of innocent people on your hands. You have aggressively and purposely set out to get what you want from innocent and unsuspecting people. You do all this and yet you still say, "I am innocent. God is not angry with me." Because you won't admit your guilt, "I will judge you guilty of lying." Everything you have trusted in will let you down. They (it) will let you down. You will be led away like captives.  

Jeremiah 3 - You get in trouble and say you want to come back to me, but "you refuse to even be ashamed of what you did." You "act" like you have changed and want help, but "you did as much evil as you could." God goes on to say that "faithless" Israel was better off than "unfaithful" Judah. (Cross Reference I Peter 2:21 - "It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.") God says to them, "Come back..." All you have to do is admit your sin and admit you put your faith in yourself and didn't obey me. Come back to me. Come back to me, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful.

"IF you will return, then return to me." IF you decide to do what God asks you to do, and IF you are truthful, honest, and mean what you say, THEN you will be blessed and you will praise Him for what He has done. It's your choice. Choose to give yourself to the service of the LORD. Choose to obey him. "IF you don't, my anger will spread among you like a fire, and no one will be able to put it out, because of the evil you have done." The wind I send will not be a gentle wind of discipline. It will be a strong wind of judgment. "The way you have lived and acted has brought this trouble to you." "(You) are skillful at doing evil, but (you) don't know how to do good."

Jeremiah 5 - "If you can find one person who does honest things, who searches for truth, I will forgive this city. Although the people say, 'As surely as the LORD lives!' they don't really mean it."  Then Jeremiah says,

LORD,
     You struck them
        but they didn't feel any pain
     You crushed them
        but they refused to learn what is right

"They became more stubborn than a rock; they refused to turn back to God." So Jeremiah thought, they must just not get it. They must be poor and foolish and not understand. Or maybe they just haven't learned the ways of the LORD. Maybe if I go the the leaders, surely then they will understand. But even the leaders had turned away from following the LORD. They had behaved this way for so long that they were sure they were safe and nothing would happen to them. They thought, "He will not do anything to us! Nothing bad will happen to us! We will never see war or hunger!" These prophets are just trying to scare us. "Let the bad things they say happen to them." But even though they didn't like the message, "This is what the LORD God All-Powerful says, 'The people said I would not punish them. So, the words I give you will be like fire, and these people will be like wood that it burns up.' "

Punishment will happen. Accountability will happen. Just because God remains silent for a period of time does not mean He is unaware or uninterested. He knows! "Hear this message, you foolish people who have no sense." (You) have eyes but (you) don't really see. (You) have ears, but (you) don't really listen. (Cross References: Isaiah 44:18 - "Those people don't know what they are doing.  They don't understand! It is as if their eyes are covered so they can't see. Their minds don't understand." Proverbs 4:19 - "But the wicked walk around in the dark; they can't even see what makes them stumble.")

Surely you understand who I am. Surely you are afraid of me. Surely you realize that I am—the I AM. I made the beaches be the border for the sea. I made the earth and seas. I bring the spring and autumn rains. But you do not say to yourself, "We should fear the LORD our God." Your evil has kept away my blessings. Your sins have kept you from enjoying good things. There is wickedness among you. People who set traps to catch people. Their houses are full of lies. They've become rich and powerful, big and fat. There is no end to the evil things they scheme to do. They are not interested in fairness. They only are interested in what they selfishly want. Shouldn't I punish those who do these things? Shouldn't I give them what they deserve?

My people are satisfied living their lives of evil. But what will they do when the end comes?


Next Entry: Jeremiah 2:1 – 6:30 (Continued)

Jeremiah 1:1–19

September 22, 2011

Before you were born, I knew you. I set you apart. I appointed you.

God calls Jeremiah to do His work. Jeremiah feels very unworthy. God says look Jeremiah, I need your availability not your abilities. I know you. I will give you everything you need. "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Fear not Jeremiah.

Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  

I (God) will give you the words to say. "You will pull up and tear down, destroy and overthrow, build up and plant." God keeps our lives balanced. He didn't ask Jeremiah to just tear down, pull up, destroy, and overthrow. He also asked him to build up, and plant. Don't be afraid of the people, or I will give you good reason to be afraid of them. You will be able to stand. They will fight against you, but they will not defeat you, because I am with you to protect you," says the LORD.

"Says the LORD." What a comforting statement. God's promises to Jeremiah are the same as His promises to us. He knows us. He is with us. He gives us everything we need. He will rescue us. He will protect us. He will give us the strength to continue to stand and withstand "the storm." He gives us opportunities to build up and plant. Thank-you, LORD.  

As for me and my house, we WILL stand.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 2:1 – 6:30

Isaiah 65:1 – 66:24

September 19, 2011

"Here I am. Here I am." In Isaiah 65, God says He made Himself known to people even if they weren't looking for Him. God pursues us—each of us. It says He "stood ready" to accept those who had turned away from Him. Unfortunately, many of the people then (and today) do not make the choice to turn from their ways and follow Him. Isaiah 65:2-3 - "...the way they continue to live is not good; they do anything they want to do. Right in front of me they continue to do things that make me angry." Oh, they act as if they are holy. They are arrogant. They tell others, "Stay away, and don't come near me. I am too holy for you." But God says, "These people are like smoke in my nose... they continue to make me angry." God goes on to say, "I will not be quiet; instead, I will repay you in full.  I will punish you for what you have done..."

Always though, God is looking to see if anyone will respond to his, "Here I am." God says, if there is any juice left in the grape you don't get rid of it. If there is anyone who will listen to Him he won't destroy them. "But as for you who left the LORD... who worship Fortune and Destiny—I decide your fate, and I will punish you... I called you, but you refused to answer. I spoke to you, but you wouldn't listen. You did the things I said were evil and chose to do things that displeases me."

Choices ALWAYS brings consequences, both good and bad. Blessings—and—Curses. God goes on to list the consequences.

My servants will eat—evil people will be hungry
My servants will drink—evil people will be thirsty
My servants will be happy—evil people will be shamed
My servants shout for joy—evil people will cry
Goodness of heart—spirits will be broken

God is faithful. His promises are true. Isaiah 65:16 - "I will make those troubles go away." A new day is coming. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Never again will the work of one be given to another. Those who build a house, will live there. Those who plant vineyards, will eat their grapes. They will never again work for nothing, and they and their children will be blessed. Isaiah 65:24 - "I will provide for their needs before they ask, and I will help them while they are still asking for help."

God is in control, and he will judge all people and all nations. Isaiah 66:1-2 - "Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool... These are the people I am pleased with: those who are not proud or stubborn and who fear my word." Then God goes on to again describe how He feels about people who bring their sacrifices and offerings to Him when their hearts are not pure. He absolutely abhors their actions and detests what they do when they "act" one way and in reality are not what they seem. Isaiah 66:3–4 - "These people choose their own ways, not mine, and they love the terrible things they do. So I will choose their punishments, and I will punish them with what they fear most. This is because I called to them, but they did not listen. I spoke to them, but they did not listen. I spoke to them, but they did not hear me. They did things I said were evil; they chose to do things I did not like."

You people who obey the words of the LORD, listen to what He says. You will be mistreated. Your family will turn against you. But God is the One who will avenge what has been done wrong to you. He will give them the punishment they should have. Just remember this, "I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born," says the LORD. Something good will come from the pain I have allowed you to have. "The LORD's servants will see his power (KJV - the hand of the LORD), but his enemies will see his anger."

And then again, the contrasts. "I know they have evil thoughts and do evil things, so I am coming to punish them." But for those who follow the LORD, "I will make new heavens and the new earth, which will last forever," says the LORD.

Isaiah ends with the promise of eternal life for those who follow the LORD's ways and with the promise of destruction for those who refuse to follow the LORD's way. Our choice, always our choice. But if we refuse to follow His ways, then it is His choice on how to punish. It all goes back to IF—THEN.

IF—we follow His ways, THEN—we receive His blessings and promises.  IF—we refuse to follow His ways, THEN—we receive His punishment and it is His choice on how to punish those who willfully chose to disobey.  IF—THEN.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 1:1–19

Isaiah 62:1 – 64:12

September 13, 2011

God watches over His people but that doesn't mean we just sit idly by and do nothing. What we are to "do" is pray and not to try and fix things ourselves. Isaiah 62:6 - "You people who remind the LORD of your needs in prayer should never be quiet." "The LORD has made a promise, and by his power he will keep his promise." You will never again have to give your food or wine (what you have worked for) to your enemies. Tell the people to be encouraged, because, "Look, your Savior is coming." He is bringing your reward. He is bringing your payment.

Isaiah 63 and 64 is divided into three sections. 1) The Lord Judges His People. Accountability will (and does) happen and God is the one who brings it about. 2) The Lord's Kindness to His People. "I will tell about the LORD's kindness and praise him for everything he has done... He has shown great mercy to us and has been very kind to us." 3) A Prayer for Help. "Tear open the skies and come down to earth... let your enemies know who you are... You have done amazing things we did not expect... You help those who enjoy doing good, who remember how you want them to live."

Isaiah 64:8 - "LORD, you are our father. We are like clay, and you are the potter; your hands made us all."


Next Entry: Isaiah 65:1 – 66:24

Isaiah 60:1 – 61:11

September 12, 2011

I was driving home from some errands on Saturday (the 10th) and an old tune was running through my mind. When I got to the chorus the words finally came. It was the old, old, hymn, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less."

On Christ the Solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

I Googled the rest of the words.

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; 

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand

All other ground is sinking sand.

I looked the song up on YouTube. A band named Interface sings an updated version. They've also added new words.  On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand

When my world falls apart
And the light turns to dark,
When the clouds gather 'round,
And the storms overwhelm
When my heart breaks in half
And my strength cannot last
When I'm lost in this land
And I can't see your plan
I'LL STAND!

That is what we will continue to do. We will stand on the solid Rock and His promises.

Yesterday, (the 11th) our Pastor spoke on Psalms 145–150, all very special chapters in our lives, especially Psalm 150. At the end of the service he quoted (and we joined in) Psalm 150, the Psalm Jane (Her Name Was Jane) asked me to read in July of '07.

One of the songs we sang yesterday morning kept running through my head last night.  

You Never Let Go

   Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

   Your perfect love is casting out fear

   And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

   I won't turn back, I know you are near

   And I will fear no evil

   For my God is with me

   Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?

       Oh no, You never let go

       Through the calm and through the storm

       Oh no, You never let go

       LORD, You never let go of me

   And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

   A glorious light beyond all compare

   And there will be an end to these troubles

   But until that day comes

   We'll live to know you here on the earth

   Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

   And there will be an end to these troubles

   But until that day comes

   Still I will praise You, still I will praise You!

******

Heaven—I can only imagine. The rebuilding of Jerusalem—I can only imagine. Imagine. Isaiah 60:19–22 - "You will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. The sun will no longer be your light during the day nor will the brightness from the moon be your light, because the LORD will be your light forever, and your God will be your glory... I am the LORD, and when it is time, I will make these things happen quickly." 

Isaiah 61:1–2 - Words Jesus read in the synagogue. (See Luke 4:16–21) Isaiah's prophecy fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus came to spread the good news; comfort those whose hearts have been broken; set the captives and prisoners free; announce God's grace; proclaim the day of vengeance for evil people; comfort the sad; help the sorrowful. Christ came to, "Give them a crown to replace their ashes; and the oil of gladness to replace their sorrow; and the clothes of praise to replace their spirit of sadness. Then they will be called Trees of Goodness, trees planted by the LORD to show his greatness." (Psalm 1 - "... like a tree planted by the river.") They will rebuild, restore, and repair.

Isaiah 61:7–9 - "Instead of being ashamed, my people will receive twice as much wealth. Instead of being disgraced, they will be happy because of what they receive. They will receive a double share of the land, so their happiness will continue forever. I, the LORD, love justice. I hate stealing and everything that is wrong. I will be fair and give my people what they should have... anyone who sees them will know that they are people the LORD has blessed."   

God is faithful. "Have I not ________?" My soul rejoices at the faithfulness of God.  

        Oh no, He never lets go

        Through the calm and through the storm

        Oh no, You never let go

        In every high and every low

        Oh no, You never let go

        LORD, You never let go of me

   Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

   And there will be an end to these troubles

   But until that day comes

   Still I will praise you,

   Still I will praise you.

Isaiah 61:10–11 - "The LORD makes me very happy; all that I am rejoices in my God. He has covered me with clothes of salvation and wrapped me with a coat of goodness, like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding, like a bride dressed in jewels. The earth causes plants to grow, and a garden causes the seeds planted in it to grow. In the same way, the LORD God will make goodness and praise come from all nations."

Blessed be the name of the LORD who is worthy of all honor, glory, and power.

Addendum: 7/14/16 ~ As I was editing this chapter today something I'd never noticed before jumped out at me. In I Kings 7:21 - it says the pillars of the Temple in the first Jerusalem were called He Establishes and In Him Is Strength. Now in Isaiah 60:18 - it says the walls of the New Jerusalem will be called Salvation and the gates Praise.

The pillars of the Temple is the foundation for how to live your earthly life, full surrender because He Establishes and In Him Is Strength. When you go to HIM (walk through the pillars) in surrender you receive the salvation HE established through the Cross, and HE gives you the strength to follow HIM in this life. You enter the New Jerusalem through gates of Praise and the walls show the result of your surrendered life and the fulfillment of HIS promises—Salvation. When this life is over and eternity comes, your PRAISE is the entrance and you are literally surrounded (the walls around you) by HIS Salvation in the New Jerusalem. How cool is that?

Imagine.  What we now have as a promise will be reality.


Next Entry: Isaiah 62:1 – 64:12

Isaiah 58:1 – 59:21

September 09, 2011

Truth—OR—Lies.
Honesty—OR—Deceit.
Pure motives—OR—Hidden intents.
Authentic—OR—Fake.

Another two chapters of comparisons. God uses Isaiah to point out their rebellion. They were attempting to be "religious" but they weren't authentic. Their reason for being "religious" was not to humble themselves and to honor and glorify God. Their religiosity was for their own selfish motivations, for the purpose of honoring themselves while appearing to honor God.

Shout it out! Tell my people the truth about what they are doing.

• They still come everyday looking for me.
• They say they want to learn my ways.
• They act like they are people that do what is right.
• They act like they are people who obey God's commands.
• They ask me to judge fairly.
• They seem eager for God to come near them.
• They say, "to honor you we have fasted."
• They say, "and you have not seen it?"
• They say they have humbled themselves.
• They say why haven't you noticed?

BUT!  The LORD says:

• You are doing what pleases yourself.
• Even on the days and during the time you "fast" for me.
• You are unfair to people.
• You exploit others.
• At the same time you are coming to me you are arguing and fighting with others.
• You are striking out at others with your wicked fists.

The LORD continues: "You cannot do these things as you do now and believe your prayers are heard in heaven."

This is what I (the LORD) want:

• Stop what you are doing.
• Free those you are falsely accusing.
• Don't keep them bound in the chains you put them in.
• Free those you have been unfair to.
• Stop forcing their hard labor.
• Be generous.
• Share what you have with others.
• Open up your hearts and lives with others.
• Do right by your relatives.
• Don't refuse to help others.

In other words—be a giver not a taker.

THEN—

• Your light will shine like the dawn.
• Your wounds will quickly heal.
• God will walk before you.
• The glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.  (Isaiah 30)
• You will call out.
• The LORD will answer.
• You will cry out.  (Psalm 140 - Hear our cry for mercy.)
• The LORD will say, "Here I am."  (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

What a difference between the LORD's response to those who refuse to submit to Him in Proverbs 1:18 - "I will not hear," and His response to those who do submit to Him, "Here I am."

IF—

• You stop making trouble for others.
• You stop accusing others.
• You stop be vicious and cruel.
• You instead start lifting others up instead of tearing others down.
• You start giving from a heart of love.
• You show empathy and compassion.

THEN—

• Your light will shine in the darkness.
• Your witness will be like the noon day sun.
• The LORD will always lead you.  (Psalm 32:8)
• He will satisfy your needs in dry lands.
• He will give strength to your bones.
• You will be productive.
• You will restore what has been destroyed.
• You will have joy.
• God will be the one who carries you and protects you.

Isaiah 59:1–2 - "Surely the LORD's power is enough to save you. (NIV- the arm of the LORD is not too short.) He can hear you when you ask for help. It is your evil that has separated you from your God. Your sins cause Him to turn away from you, so He does not hear you." (Proverbs 1:28)

• With your hands you have hurt others.
• Your hands are stained with blood. (unclean hands)
• Your fingers are guilty.
• Your lips have spoken lies. (Psalm 140:3)
• Your tongue mutters wicked things.
• You take people to court unfairly.
• You do not plead your case with integrity.
• You do not care about justice.
• You rely on empty arguments.
• You accuse people falsely.
• You tell lies.
• You conceive trouble. (strategize)
• You give birth to evil.

James 1:15 - "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin when it is full grown, gives birth to death."

Psalm 7:14 - "He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment."

• You hatch evil like eggs from vipers. (Psalm 140:3)
• You set traps and weave webs. (Psalm 140:5)
• The things you do are evil.
• The acts of violence are in your hands. (Psalm 140:1-4)
• You are eager to do evil.
• You are ready and willing to harm innocent people.
• Your thoughts are evil thoughts.
• You leave a path of ruin and destruction. 
• You don't know how to live in peace.
• There is no fairness or justice in your lives.
• You are dishonest.
• Your ways are crooked.

Isaiah 59:8 - "Anyone who lives as they live will never have peace." Isaiah 59:8

Sin brings consequences. Fairness and goodness—gone. Light—gone. Only darkness is left.

Isaiah 59:15 - "Truth cannot be found anywhere, and people who refuse to do evil are attacked.  

But! The LORD is our Savior. He uses His power to save the people. Isaiah 59:16–19 - "He covered himself with goodness like armor. He put the helmet of salvation (Psalm 140:7) on his head. He put on the clothes of punishment and wrapped himself in the coat of his strong love. The LORD will pay back his enemies for what they have done. He will show his anger to those who were against him; he will punish the people in faraway places as they deserve. Then people from the west will fear the LORD, and people from the east will fear his glory. The LORD will come quickly like a fast-flowing river, driven by the breath of God." (Ephesians 6:10-18: The armor of God.)

Isaiah 59:21 - "My Spirit and my words that I give you will never leave you or your children or your grandchildren, now and forever." God's promise to those who have turned from sin.

"...The Christian life begins with obedience, depends on obedience, and results in obedience. We can't escape it. The orders from our commander-in-chief are plain: "Whoever has my commandments and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." Loving God—really loving Him—means living out His commands no matter what the cost." ~ From Loving God by Charles Colson

Addendum: 5/28/15 ~ So many of these verses mirror the words of what Jane (Her Name Was Jane) told us to read.  They also perfectly describe the reason for (and the actions behind) "the storm."


Next Entry: Isaiah 60:1 – 61:11

Isaiah 56:1 – 57:21

September 08, 2011

"Have I not ______?"

Those are the words that went through my mind last night while sleeping. Have I not provided for you? Have I not promised you? Have I not kept my promises? Have I not protected you? Have I not guided you? Have I not kept my word?

I've been a bit overwhelmed as of late. Our plates are full and running over. I'm tired.

Last night the voice was clear. I literally "heard" it. Male voice. Left ear. "Have I not _____?"

"Have I not provided for you? Have I not promised you? Have I not kept my promises? Have I not protected you? Have I not guided you? Have I not kept my word?" I guess I needed a holy kick in the seat of the pants. I wasn't grumbling out loud. I didn't think I was grumbling in my spirit either. But obviously, I needed confronting. I must have been trying to carry too much of the load and it was weighing me down.

What HE gives us to carry is light. What we take upon ourselves to carry is heavy. Matthew 11:28–30 - "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching I ask you accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light." Isaiah 40:31 - "But the people who trust the LORD will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not be faint."

Why are our plates so full? I don't know. What I do know is that God has a plan and the things we are doing is in obedience to him, and we are willing to continue doing whatever it is He asks of us. I would rather be obedient—no matter what—than to try and walk through life doing my own thing and making my own way. God is still teaching us and we are still learning.

Hey!! "Have I not _____?"

I'm sorry LORD. Forgive me for carrying what wasn't mine. I didn't even know I was grumbling. Thank you for being my LORD and Savior.

******

Back to Isaiah. Once again comparisons between those who choose to go their own ways and those who choose to follow God's ways. Choose to disobey—choose to suffer. Choose to obey—choose God's blessings.

Isaiah 56:10 - Because the leaders chose to disobey they were blind and didn't know what they were doing.

Isaiah 56:11 - They went their own way, doing what they wanted, satisfying themselves.

Isaiah 57:6 - God asks them, "Do you think this makes me want to show you mercy?"

Isaiah 57:10 - You've ignored me. You've done everything to please yourself. Even though you figured out it wasn't working, you still would not give up. You found new strength to keep going... you would not quit. You have not remembered me. Why did you lie to me?

Isaiah 57:11–12 - "I have been quiet for a long time. Is that why you are not afraid of me? I will tell about your 'goodness' and what you do, and those things will do you no good."

Isaiah 57:8 - "When you cry out for help, let the gods you have gathered help you. The wind will blow them all away; just a puff of wind will take them away."

Isaiah 57:20–21 - "Evil people are like the angry sea, which cannot rest, whose waves toss up waste and mud. 'There is no peace for evil people,' says my God."  

God knows. Truth will be exposed. Justice will come. Evil may be persistent and relentless, but evil cannot circumvent God's will. He is our protector. He will free us from "the storm."

On the other side God says in Isaiah 56:7 - my temple will be called a house of prayer.

Isaiah 57:1–2 - "Those who do right are being taken away from evil and are given peace."

Isaiah 57:13 - "The person who depends on me will receive the land and own my holy mountain."

Isaiah 57:15–16 -  Prepare the way! Prepare the way! "God lives forever and is holy. He is high and lifted up. He says, "I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are sad and humble. I give new life to those who are humble and to those whose hearts are broken." 

Life Lesson ~ God gives peace and satisfaction to those who love Him, but He punishes the wicked for their sins. Peace and comfort comes from God alone.

Psalm 29:11 -  "The LORD give strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

Isaiah 26:3–4 - "You, LORD, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. So, trust the LORD always, because he is our Rock forever."

Addendum: 9/27/11 ~  See my journal entry for 9-27-11. Our plates being full is starting to make sense.  


Next Entry: Isaiah 58:1 – 59:21

Isaiah 54:1 – 55:13

September 07, 2011

Isaiah 54:4 - "Don't be afraid, because you will not be ashamed. Don't be embarrassed, because you will not be disgraced." NIV - "Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated."

God is the one who saves. "Mountains may disappear and hills may come to an end," but God's love never ends. "I will build you using fairness. You will be safe from those who would hurt you... If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you."

"No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me, says the LORD." God is in control. No "man" can "forge" anything against us. Who made man? Man can think he has the power to make the fire hot and forge a tool, but it is GOD who made man... and it is God who is in control.

If you are thirsty—come to me (God). Why waste your time running after things that cannot satisfy? Come to me—and listen; listen to me so you can live. Return to the LORD so He can have mercy on you. Come to our God for forgiveness.

The LORD says, "My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Rain waters the ground, the same can be said of my (God's) words. "They will not return to me empty.  They make the things happen that I want to happen, and they succeed in doing what I sent them to do."


Next Entry: Isaiah 56:1 – 57:21

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

September 02, 2011

The Father owes us nothing. He has already given us everything. He has given us Himself—Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 52:14 - "His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form beyond likeness."

Isaiah 53:3–12 - "He was hated and rejected by people. He had much pain and suffering... But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering and thought God was punishing him. But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which brought us peace (NIV), was given to him, and we are healed because of his wounds. We all have wandered away like sheep; each of us has gone his own way. But the LORD has put on him the punishment for all the evil we have done. He was beaten down and punished, but he didn't say a word. He was like a lamb being led to be killed. He was quiet, as a sheep is quiet while its wool is being cut; he never opened his mouth...He was put to death; he was punished for the sins of my people... He had done nothing wrong, and he had never lied... But it was the LORD who decided to crush him and make him suffer. The LORD made his life a penalty offering... He will complete the things the LORD wants him to do... My good servant will make many people right with God; he will carry away their sins... He willingly gave his life and was treated like a criminal. But he carried away the sins of many people and asked forgiveness for those who sinned."

Thank you Jesus. No mere words of praise will ever be enough.  

As I read these words and thought about the incredible and painful gift the LORD gave us when He sacrificed His son (Himself) for the sins of all mankind, I was reminded of the somber verses found in Hebrews 6:4–6.

"Some people cannot be brought back again to a changed life. They were once in God's light, and enjoyed heaven's gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit. They found out how good God's word is, and they received the powers of his new world. But they fell away from Christ. It is impossible to bring them back to a changed life again; because they are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and are shaming him in front of others."

Oh, what strong words. Words that bring tears to my eyes. May this never be said about me. There is a HUGE difference—an indescribable difference—between the LORD deciding to use His son, Jesus Christ, as a penalty offering for our sins, AND then man (after already experiencing the forgiveness of his sins because of God's great gift) rejecting it and because of his selfish pride and refusal to follow God's teachings, he himself "nails the Son of God to a cross again" and shames Jesus Christ in front of others.

Think about it!!! Being responsible for nailing the Son of God to a cross and shaming Him again!! The LORD freely giving His Son as a penalty offering for our salvation—verses—man rejecting the free gift and audaciously, arrogantly, and purposefully, shaming Christ by nailing God's Son to a cross over and over again in his selfish pride. Almost unbearable to think about.  

Sadly, we probably all know someone this could be said about. Forgive them Father for they know not what they do. Open their eyes to the Truth. 


Next Entry: Isaiah 54:1 – 55:13

Isaiah 49:1 – 52:12 (Continued)

September 01, 2011

My notes from a message I heard on Faith.

1) Believe it
2) Act on it
3) No matter how you feel
4) God always has good planned for you

It's not faith in your faith. It is faith in God. The God of the Bible is the God of today. The same yesterday, today, and forever. The Bible is either true—or it isn't. God is either God—or He isn't. We either believe—or we don't. It really is that black and white. We are given the choice. Believe—and receive God's blessings OR refuse to believe—and choose suffering. 

I Peter 1:18–19 - "You know that in the past you were living in a worthless way, a way passed down from the people who lived before you. But you were saved from that useless life. You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a pure and perfect lamb."

Why choose to trust in things that are temporary? Believe in the LORD Jesus Christ and you will be saved. It cannot be head knowledge only! Our actions must match our words. 


Next Entry: Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 

Isaiah 49:1 – 52:12 (Continued)

August 31, 2011

Isaiah 51:1–8 - "Listen to me, those of you who try to live right and follow the LORD... I will soon show that I do what is right. I will soon save you... My salvation will continue forever, and my goodness will never end. You people who know what is right should listen to me; you people who follow my teachings should hear what I say. Don't be afraid of the evil things people say, and don't be upset by their insults. Moths will eat those people as if they were clothes, and worms will eat them as if they were wool. But my goodness will continue forever, and my salvation will continue from now on."

Isaiah 51:9 - "Wake up, wake up, and use your strength, powerful God." (Psalm 17:13–14 - "LORD, rise up, face the enemy, and throw them down. Save me from the wicked with your sword. LORD, save me by your power from those whose reward is in this life.")

The LORD says, "I am the one who comforts you. So why should you be afraid of those who die? Why should you fear people who die like the grass?" I AM the One! I made the heaven and earth. I AM the One who frees you. I AM the LORD, All-powerful. I AM the LORD your God. Those angry people who troubled you and who wanted to destroy you—where are they now? Those who have been imprisoned will soon be set free. Isaiah 51:11 - "They will have joy and gladness, and all sadness and sorrow will be gone." 

Be my witness. "I will give you the words I want you to say. I will cover you with my hands and protect you." I have written beside this: Jane's story—God's story. 

We have a choice. We get to decide. Are we going to do what "you want"—OR—are we going to trust God and submit ourselves to His will? That's the choice. There are consequences for what we choose. Choose self—and there is punishment. Isaiah 51:17 - talks about the cup of punishment. (Psalm 75:8 also talk about the cup of punishment.) Isaiah 51:23 - "I will now give that cup of punishment to those who gave you pain, who told you, "Bow down so we can walk over you." They made your back like dirt for them to walk on; you were like a street for them to travel on."

But then God goes on. He says, Wake up! Become strong. You are going to be set free. Shake off the dust and stand up. They had you under their control, temporarily. Free yourself from the chains they put around your neck. Isaiah 52:3 - "This is what the LORD says: "You were not sold for a price, so you will be saved without cost." I just have to repeat what God says, "You were not sold for a price, so you will be saved without cost."

When the Israelites went to Egypt to live it was part of God's plan. There was famine in the land and God was saving them. But the Egyptians/Assyrians were used to getting what "self" wanted and they were threatened by the Israelites. The Israelites might be a stumbling block to what "they wanted" so they put the Israelites into slavery. And God says, "This has happened so my people will know who I am, and so, on that future day, they will know that I am the one speaking to them. It will really be me."

God allows things to happen in our lives for multiple reasons. It may be for the purpose of pursuing those who have wandered away. It may be for revealing Himself to us in new ways. Whatever the reason, it is always for our good. Our responsibility is to search the heart of God to see what it is HE wants us to learn. 

In Isaiah 52:11 - God is saying you've been held captive long enough. Now get up. Leave. You will not be forced to run away "because the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will guard you from behind." What a picture. They have been held captive; God releases them; they walk away; they are not leaving and running away in fear; God goes before them to pave the way; God guards their backs while they walk away from those who held them captive. It isn't that the captors decided to let them go, God released them! He led them and guarded them.

God has a long history of being faithful.

Addendum: 5/22/15 ~ Praise the LORD!

Addendum: 8/11/20 ~  Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!


Next Entry: Isaiah 49:1 – 52:12 (Continued)

Isaiah 49:1 – 52:12

August 29, 2011

I am perfectly content to put my faith and trust in God for HIS protection from "the storm." I believe His Word. I believe He is trustworthy. His track record is long. I am fine with God being my judge. He knows my heart. Nothing is hidden from Him. I like what it says in Isaiah 49:4 - "The LORD will decide what my work is worth; God will decide my reward... the LORD will honor me, and I will get my strength from my God." How freeing not to have to prove who I am or to have to try and earn acceptance and/or approval. I am who I am—and I am comfortable with that. The LORD will give me the strength to face whatever comes my way. He certainly has these past almost five years of us being under the threat of "the storm." It is just amazing to look back and see how God's hand has worked in our lives. Isaiah 49:8 -"At the right time I will hear your prayers. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you..."

God is able and capable of doing ALL things. ALL! He is not lacking in strength, wisdom, power, understanding, or determination. He is a God of justice, and justice will prevail. 

Isaiah 49:13 - "Heaven and earth, be happy. Mountains will shout for joy, because the LORD comforts his people and will have pity on those who suffer."

Isaiah 49:23 - "...anyone who trusts in me will not be disappointed."

Isaiah 49:25 - "This is what the LORD says: The prisoners will be taken from the strong soldiers. What the soldiers have taken will be saved. I will fight your enemies."

Isaiah 50:7–9 - "The LORD God helps me, so I will not be ashamed. I will be determined, and I know I will not be disgraced. He shows that I am innocent, and he is close to me. So who can accuse me? If there is someone, let us go to court together. If someone wants to prove I have done wrong, he should come and tell me. Look! It is the LORD God who helps me. So who can prove me guilty? Look! All those who try will become useless like old clothes; moths will eat them."

"All those who try to prove the innocent guilty." Try! NOT those who successfully prove the innocent guilty, those who try!

• The LORD helps me
• I will not be ashamed
• I will be determined
• I know I will not be disgraced
• He shows I am innocent
• He is close to me

So who can accuse me? If God be for me who can be against me? You can try everything and anything you want. But!

"Look! It is the LORD who helps me! So who can prove me guilty?"  

You can try anything you want but it is God who helps me. I am innocent of all your charges. All your actions will be for nothing... it will be useless, "like old clothes" that moths eat. You—you—you—all about you! You want to light your own fires. You want to make your own light. (Verses 10–11) If you would trust in the LORD  you wouldn't need to walk in darkness. He would be the light. He is dependable. He is faithful. But instead of trusting Him, "you want." You want to be in control. You want your own way. "So, go, walk in the light of your fires, and trust your own light to guide you.  But this is what you will get from me: You will lie down in a place of pain."


Next Entry: Isaiah 49:1 – 52:12 (Continued)

Isaiah 47:1 – 48:22

August 26, 2011

Babylon enjoyed being in control. They thought no one could stand up to them. They considered themselves to be their own god. "You say to yourself, 'I am God, and no one is equal to me.' " Babylon—arrogant, self-reliant, and successful in what they did. They were confident, overly so. They did evil things but felt safe thinking no one knew what they were doing or would catch them in their deceit and lies. They felt they were wise and full of knowledge, being on the "cutting edge of everything." They felt important and treated people without mercy.

They thought all those things. But God said, I've seen; I know; and I will take vengeance. You are totally unaware that your confidence is false. Your self-deception is huge. You refer to yourself as "I am," but you don't realize that only I (God) am the true I AM. You think you are safe. You think no one knows what you have done—but I know. Your wisdom and knowledge have fooled you. Go ahead, keep trying the same things you have done since you were young. You've tried all the "guru's," none of them can help you. They are like straw. They can't save themselves and they can't save you. But, I God say this, "But troubles will come to you, and you will not know how to stop them. Disaster will fall on you, and you will not be able to keep it away. You will be destroyed quickly; you will not even see it coming." The NIV says, "a catastrophe you cannot foresee."   

God is in control. He is THE God. He knows. He knows who is honest and sincere. He pursues us. He has foretold through His written word what would happen. It has happened and will continue to happen. He will not let evil receive the glory that is His. (Isaiah 42:8) He repeats that here in Isaiah 48:11 - "I will not let people speak evil against me, and I will not let some god take my glory."

"I am God; I am the beginning and the end. I made the earth with my own hands. With my right hand I spread out the skies. When I call them, they come together before me."

Isaiah 48:17 - "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to do what is good, who leads you in the way you should go." Psalm 32:8 - Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) Life Verse - "I will make you wise and show you where to go, I will guide you and watch over you."

Then Isaiah 48 ends with this statement: "There is no peace for evil people," says the LORD. It may appear as if they are happy and successful, but "there is no peace for evil people." God's word IS true.


Next Entry: Isaiah 49:1 – 52:12

Isaiah 44:1 – 46:13

August 25, 2011

Where do I start? The best place to start is at the foundation. The LORD is the only God—idols are useless. The LORD is the true God—false gods are useless.

This is what the LORD says:

• I made you
• I formed you in your mother's body
• I will help you
• Don't be afraid
• I chose you
• I will pour out water on dry land
• I will pour out my spirit to your children
• I will put my blessing on your descendants
• I am the beginning and the end
• I am the only God
• Don't be afraid!
• Don't worry!
• I have told you what will happen
• You are my witnesses
• There is no other God but me
• I know of no other Rock
• I am the only One

But still, even after being told all of this, some people still refuse to accept God by surrendering their lives to Him and instead, they still try to rely on themselves for protection. They need to be in charge and in control, or so they think.

The next verses (Isaiah 44:9–20) show the futility and stupidity of thinking man-made ideas or things (idols) can have any ability to protect or save you. Totally useless. Isaiah describes a man who cut down some wood. He burns the tree; uses some of it to keep him warm; uses some to heat his food; some to cast light; and then uses the left-over wood to carve a statue and claim it to be his god. Craziness! He didn't make the tree grow—God did. He didn't send the rain—God did. The wood used for the fire burns up and is gone. Yet, he somehow thinks a left-over piece of wood is what will save him! "He bows down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, 'You are my god. Save me!' " Isaiah goes on to say "These people don't know what they are doing." Three times he says, "they don't understand." They don't get it. They just don't get it. How can they think a chunk of wood can save them? How can they think anything other than God can save them?

I love the sarcasm of Isaiah. It's like he is saying, really? Really? Are you serious? Have you never thought this through? Seriously?  Have you not thought, "I used the wood that was left to make this hateful thing. I am worshiping a block of wood!?" Have you never asked yourself how crazy is this? You would rather trust in your own skills, schemes, plans (or block of wood), than trust THE God? The beginning and the end? The Rock? The One?

Isaiah answers the "why." They are blinded. They have strong-armed God for so long (insisting on their own way), that now their hearts have become hardened. And now, "It is as if their eyes are covered so they don't see." (They) don't know what (they) are doing and (their) confused mind leads (them) the wrong way. (They) cannot save (themselves) or say, what I am holding onto is a false god. It is false hope. It is worthless.

We must always be on guard. Even the simplest thing (like wood) that has value and can be used for good things, can become an idol in our eyes. The problem of "I." I chopped the wood. I built a fire. I used what I did to keep warm, cook my food, light my way. I will make my own plans. I will devise something to save myself. I am in control. Useless—totally useless. Only God.

This is what the LORD says:

• I saved you
• I formed you in your mother's body
• I, the LORD, made everything
• I made the skies
• I made the earth
• I made sure the truth is revealed
• I make sure lies are exposed
• I confuse those who don't come to me
• They think they know much ("on the cutting edge of everything")
• I make them look foolish

I make the messages of my servants come true. I say to Jerusalem, "People will live in you again... You will be built again... I will repair you." (Jeremiah 33! God's promise to us and the last God-given message spoken by Jane in April of 2008.)

Isaiah 45 - God chooses Cyrus to help Israel. Cyrus was not a follower of God ("even though you don't know me") but God chose him to do His work. God's will WILL be done, and God will chose who to use; what to do; when He will do it; and how He will free His people. In this case He chose to use Cyrus, a king of Persia.

"Cyrus, I call you by name, and I give you a title of honor even though you don't know me. I am the LORD. There is no other God; I am the only god. I will make you strong, even though you don't know me, so that everyone will know there is no other God."

That is our prayer, that everyone will know it was (and is) God who protected us from "the storm," no matter who He chooses to use to free us.

"From the east to the west, they will know that I am the LORD. I made the light and darkness. I bring peace, and I cause troubles. I, the LORD do all these things."

"I bring peace, and I cause troubles..." God causes the consequences for the sins committed by man. There is "fruit" to sin, and accountability does happen. Isaiah 45:9 - "How terrible it will be..."  Isaiah says this three different times in two verses. "How terrible it will be" for those who insist on being their own god and argue with the God who made them, who won't submit, and instead questions His authority. "I will bring Cyrus" and he will "set my people free without any payment or reward. THEN everyone will know God is with you, and there is no other God."

That is our hope and our prayer. We've been held captive in "the storm" for many years now. Our prayer is that God, by HIS great power, would accomplish what appears to be humanly impossible, and that HE would set us free from those who are holding us captive "without any payment or reward." THEN all will KNOW it was HIS hand that freed us. That is our hope, our prayer and our belief. How that could happen? I have no idea. No human effort has been successful., but that is our prayer and our belief.

The rest of the chapter reiterates who God is:

• Israel will be saved by God - verse 17
• The LORD created the heavens - verse 18
• God formed the earth and made it - verse 18
• I am the LORD - verse 18
• There is no other God - verse 18
• I am the LORD - verse 19
• I speak the truth - verse 19
• I say what is right - verse 19
• There is no other God beside me - verse 21
• I am the only good God - verse 21
• I am the Savior - verse 21
• There is no other God - verse 21
• I am God - verse 22
• There is no other God - verse 22

I (God) make promises by my own power. My promises are true. Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess that I AM the LORD. People will say, "Goodness and power come only from the LORD." With the LORD's help, God's people "will be found to be good, and they will praise him."

Chapter 46 - The false gods you think will help you are only heavy loads that must be carried. They only make people tired. The false gods cannot save them. All of you who believe in me—listen! "I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will do the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you."

"Can you compare me to anyone?" Some people are rich with gold. They weigh it. They make it into their god. They worship it, but it cannot save them from their troubles. "Remember, I am God, and there is no other God. I am God, and there is no one like me. From the beginning I told you what would happen in the end." (Psalm 150; Psalm 140) "A long time ago I told you things that have not yet happened. When I plan something, it happens! What I want to do, I will do... I will make what I have said come true. I will do what I have planned... I will soon do the things that are right. I will bring salvation soon."

Our faith and hope is in God alone. We are grateful for those who are helping defend us, but we realize that ultimately our defender is God and our faith and trust is in Him and in Him alone.


Addendum: 8/11/20 ~ "The storm" is over!! See: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!


Next Entry: Isaiah 47:1 – 48:22

The Hill

August 22, 2011

What a day yesterday. Baptism at The Hill.

This is the third year for the baptismal service to be held at The Hill. 46 people were baptized this year—including our son and daughter-in-law. What a remarkable, special day. I'm thankful other extended family members could all be there to share the special day. It was very moving to see our son and daughter-in-law baptized as a couple.

A week or so ago one of our Pastor's called and asked if we would be willing to record a two minute testimony to be played at the baptism. They saw that our son and daughter-in-law were being baptized and they knew how incredibly special that would be since it was my husband and son who built the amphitheater hill, and it was my husband and I who built the natural grass platform and baptismal backdrop area. They knew about all the time we spent (during the worst time of the lawsuit) building, planting, and working at The Hill.

We of course agreed. But what to say? How do you put into words what it meant to us to build The Hill and then now see our son and daughter-in-law baptized there? We knew one thing for sure. We did not want this to be about us. Very few people in the church knew who designed, built, and planted the entire Pavilion and Hill area. We were fine with that. How do you explain how everything happened without it sounding like "we" did this? How do you explain to everyone about the depth of what was happening in your life without saying "we" were being attacked by a sister and brother-in-law filing a lawsuit? So we prayed. God, thank you for this opportunity. Please give us the words to say. May YOU get the honor and glory for what YOU have done.

Here is what was said:

"Most of you remember when the excess soil left over from the last building project was moved to this site to create The Hill. The amphitheater hill itself was completed, but the front portion was in disarray. Many committee meetings were held. But for years there was no clear direction on how The Hill should be completed. Then literally in a moment, in the middle of a committee meeting, my husband instantly knew how and what could be done to finish The Hill, and everyone agreed. It was God's timing, and it was God's plan. Unfortunately, it was the worst possible timing for us—or so we thought. In our personal lives we were facing a seemingly insurmountable task. We had no physical time, energy, or emotional strength to invest in this project. But we also knew that any equipment or talent we may have is God-given and is available for His use. God in His Sovereignty knew exactly what we needed in our lives. So we began the task, and God gave us the strength. Working on The Hill kept us focused on the things that were important—eternal things. As we worked, we prayed for changed lives and for all those who would someday worship and be baptized on this hill. We prayed for our family and our two adult children who were believers but had not yet been baptized. We prayed for God's will in our own lives. Our personal situation has not yet ended—but God has been faithful beyond words. What was intended for our harm God has used for our good. Our daughter and son-in-law have both since been baptized. And today, on the very hill that our son shaped and created years ago, and in the pond God designed, our son and daughter-in-law are being baptized. To God be the glory. Great things HE has done."

This was played while our son and daughter-in-law and two of our Pastor's were standing in the water. Our testimony about what God has done was heard by 1000+ people. When it finished playing, our Pastor spoke. He said, "_____, not many people knew that it was you and your Mom and Dad who built The Hill...." He went on to say, "Man can build a hill, but it is God that builds a man." Then our son and daughter-in-law were baptized together as a couple. There weren't many dry eyes. God most definitely gave us the words to say.

To God be the glory!  Great things HE has done.

Here is what was written in the Baptism hand-out. "Even though _____ (our son) and _____ (our daughter-in-law) surrendered to Jesus Christ at different times in their lives, they share this step of obedience as an outward sign of the deep work He has done. According to (our son), "He is the reason I love life. Without him I could not deal with everyday problems. I love to see how He leads me in the path I should go." (Our daughter-in-law) shares, "He is my Solid Rock. I need Him more than anything in my life. I strive to follow His ways with my family."

As I was transcribing the words God gave us to say into this blog, I noticed a double meaning with two of the sentences. Something I didn't notice before even though I had read through it many, many times prior to it being recorded and since. I'm not even sure how the people listening to it interpreted what I said.

When I wrote, "He knew exactly what we needed in our lives," I was referring to the work we were doing to build The Hill. We didn't have the physical time, energy, or emotional strength to invest in the project or anything else. We were buried under legal paperwork. I was collecting thousands of documents, answering interrogatories, babysitting, doing office work for our business, etc. I've said many times that we didn't have the time to do the project and we didn't have time not to do the project. On our own there was no way to add designing and building The Hill. But God knew it was exactly what we needed in our lives while we were the busiest defending ourselves against my sister and brother-in-law's vile and vicious accusations. It kept our eyes focused on what was important—outward things, having a servant's heart, kingdom building things—INSTEAD of focusing on ourselves and what was wrongfully happening to us.

When I said, "So we began the task, and God gave us the strength," I was again referring to The Hill. It's hard to comprehend how incredibly hot and humid it was during the time we were working there unless you've experienced it yourself while living in the Midwest during mid July when the temperatures are in the high 80's and 90's and the air is heavy and oppressive. We were working in the direct sun and there was rarely any breeze. It was just totally physically exhausting and draining. For weeks, we worked there every Saturday. We moved five or six white pines that were planted years earlier. The earth was so parched that no dirt clung to the roots. The last thing you should do is move pines in the middle of a hot summer, and especially bare-rooted. I scooped five gallon buckets of water from the nearby drainage ditch and carried multiple bucket loads to each tree. Incredibly, every single one of the transplanted pine trees lived!

I remember a time I was taking a break because my husband was doing some tractor work and didn't need my assistance. I had taken some lawyer paperwork with me and was sitting on the hill working on it when one of those dry summer wind "gust-nadoes" came along and picked up my papers, took them up over the hill and higher than the tree tops before they finally came back down half way to the county road. I'm sure it was quite the sight for people driving by to see my husband and me chasing flying papers across the adjoining field. 🙂 For lunch we would go to the neighborhood grocery store deli even though we were hot, sweaty, dirty, and looked a mess. It felt good to be able to clean up a little and cool off in the air-conditioning. We had to chuckle when an acquaintance we knew stopped us in the store and asked us if we had moved to the area since he saw us eating lunch there every Saturday.

It took us about an hour to drive with the truck and trailer from our small town to the town where our church and The Hill is located, but the driving time gave us uninterrupted moments of prayer to face the "tasks" ahead. It was exhausting work, yet at the same time it felt good to be physically exerting yourself. It balanced the lawsuit emotional and psychological junk we were having to deal with and the personal, vicious, and vindictive attacks that were directed towards us. It cleansed the soul. It was HIS plan.

Driving by our church you would never know what lie on the other side of The Hill. When you come up over the back side of The Hill and the front stage area of the amphitheater comes into view, it almost takes your breath away. No one will ever know the work it took to make it look that way. Everything just looks like it was just naturally there... part of God's creation. Peaceful. Serene. God's amazing handiwork. Our Pastor calls it is the most beautiful hidden spot in the county. We are so grateful that God gave us the "task" and used our hands during the toughest period in our lives to build HIS plan.

So, as I am preparing to write this morning I noticed I used the word "task" in the sentence "so we began the task and God gave us the strength." I was referring to working on The Hill, but today I realized it was also the same word I used earlier when I said, "We were facing a seemingly insurmountable "task," where I was referring to the lawsuit in our personal lives. When I said "God gave us the strength," I was entirely talking about the task/work at The Hill; that God provided the strength we needed to build The Hill; and that "God knew what we needed in our life," meaning working on The Hill. But those same phrases absolutely apply to the lawsuit itself. We began the "task" of gathering a mountain of information for discovery; we had the "task" of answering all kinds of interrogatories; we had the "task" of defending ourselves against false accusations, and God provided the strength. "God knew exactly what we needed in our lives," is so true about "the storm" as well. The lawsuit brought us out of the trap of being self-sufficient people and brought us into the understanding of the importance of being God-reliant people.

I have no idea how the people who were at The Hill yesterday "heard" it and whether they thought we were talking about the insurmountable task in our personal lives or the task of working on building the hill. Either way—both are the truth. God has provided everything we needed in every way. The only reason the "task" (both the lawsuit and The Hill) were not insurmountable is because of God's provision.

LORD,
May our lives reflect yours. May others see Christ in us. Thank you, for the opportunity to build your plan. Thank you, for the opportunity to share our testimony with hundreds of people. Thank you, for our children and their spouses who are all living their lives surrendered to you. Thank you, for all the provisions you have given us. Thank you, for your promises and protection. Thank you, for your love. Thank you, for friends and family who have been an encouragement and support for us. And LORD, we even thank you for what was meant for our harm—this lawsuit—for we have seen your hand working in our lives in ways we have never seen before, and never could have imagined. That is worth more than any pleasure this world could offer. Thank you, for keeping us safe in your waiting room. LORD, we eagerly await whatever it is that you have ahead for us. We trust you. We love you. We surrender ALL to you.

To God be the Glory! Great things HE has done!.

Addendum:  December 2019 ~ I've just realized God gave me another "task" to do during the heat of the battle—my journals and this blog.  It was HIS plan.


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